Putra Vallabha– Sursundari of Rajarani Temple

Sursundari Information:

Sursundaris are the beautiful lady sculptures in the temples. Some call these beautiful ladies Apsaras, Kanika, Ganika, Maiden, Shilambhajika, etc. The names given by authors or websites are not always true. For example, Apsaras played a major role in Hindu mythology. Apsaras like Menaka, and Rambha played major characters and were reasons for many events. They were not just damsels or beauty pieces.

Sursundari is the most appropriate description and name for such sculptures which represent the eternal beauty of the lady and offer a cultural glimpse.

Sculpture Information:

Putra Vallabha means the one who is with the kids. Even though the word Putra means a son, the meaning here is kids.

Putra Vallabha‘s image is satisfying. A mother is playing with / adoring her kid in her hands. In detail, her left breast can be seen more open and is ready to feed her kid. The smile on her face adds to her beauty. Her hair is well tied behind and she wears a big ring in her ear.

Rajarani temple of Bhubaneshwar has many such sculptures. Another sculpture of Putra Vallabha is with two kids.

Rajarani temple dates back to the 1100th Century CE and is the best example of Kalinga Architecture (Kalinga Panchratha Style). It is built in a Rekha Deul format.